Systems Biology and Bioinformatics

The MSc Systems Biology and Bioinformatics prepares you to take on an expert role in the field of human biology and health. The multidisciplinary nature of the programme provides you with a solid scientific basis in biology, mathematics and computational science in relation to systems biology. Your selection of electives will further allow you to connect disciplines and gain relevant technical and soft skills.

With your knowledge of systems biology and bioinformatics, you’re able to become a professional in a variety of fields. In addition to starting your career as a professional in the industry, you are also qualified to pursue a research career, for example, by obtaining a PhD or joining an academic group or institute as a research assistant or technician. You will also have enough qualifications to set up your own company and become an entrepreneur.

After graduation, you will be ready to pursue a career in a wide variety of fields where bridging biology and mathematics plays a key role. You’re able to understand biological systems, model them and predict their behaviour. You will also have the knowledge and skills to design innovative experimental strategies for a wide array of applications in biology and life sciences.

This expertise is not only highly sought after, but also relevant for a wide range of careers in:

any research institute focused on modelling the human body and diseases using patient data obtained in laboratories or imaging departments that need a systems biologist to extract biologically relevant information from their experiments
small and medium enterprises (SME) that focus on innovative product, technology or process development, especially related to human biology and health
academic multidisciplinary research groups involved in life science research generating big data, like omics research
pharmaceutical companies or medicine agencies who need data scientists to evaluate drugs
healthcare-related institutes like centres for disease control that model the prevalence and incidence of diseases
healthcare providers, such as hospitals, that perform research on human health

Are MSc Systems Biology and Bioinformatics graduates in high demand?

‘In high school, kids who choose biology often don’t like maths. Yet modern biology is generating huge amounts of data. If, as a biologist, you’ve nobody in your science team with skills in mathematics and data modelling, then you’re lost’, says Rachel Cavill, assistant professor in the Department of Advanced Computing Sciences. So yes, there is high demand for systems biologists. You will likely receive job offers before or shortly after you graduate.

Sebastián Ayala Ruano

Before coming to Maastricht, Sebastián studied Biotechnology Engineering in Ecuador. "In addition to my biotechnology major, I took a minor in software engineering. While looking for a master's programme, I discovered that Systems Biology and Bioinformatics at Maastricht provided the ideal combination of both topics. When I won the Maastricht University NL-High Potential Scholarship, I decided to move to Maastricht.”

Sebastián focused his Systems Biology master’s thesis research on the microbiome of wastewater. His work resulted in a model that predicts how microorganisms in the contaminated water behave and interact. His research won the MacsBio Master Thesis Award; he graduated cum laude. That is not all; his research also got him a job at the lab where he worked as an intern: the Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability in Copenhagen.

Recently, Sebastián left Maastricht with mixed emotions. "In Maastricht, I made numerous friends and learnt a lot about systems biology, as well as myself. I grew as a person in part because I had to manage living abroad, far away from my family. I will remember these past few years as the best life experiences I had. On the other hand, I’m happy to see what will come next.”

Maaike Gerritse

MSc Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, 2021

Maaike Gerritse earned her bachelor's degree in Medical Sciences & Engineering at the TU/e in Eindhoven before beginning her master's studies in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics. Comparing both, she says: "TU/e is more structured, with clear exam weeks and four 10-week periods. TU/e has many projects just like Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, but their projects run parallel to the courses." Despite the differences in the educational systems, Maaike would study in Maastricht again.

She is now a PhD student at Wageningen University, where she works in the group Host-Microbe Interactomics. "I'm involved in a European project called SPRINT, which is looking into the effects of pesticides on the environment as well as plant, human, and animal health. My research focuses on the impact of pesticides on the human microbiome and organ function."

Maaike says of her time in Maastricht: "Systems Biology and Bioinformatics is a very small programme. This means you get to know all of your teachers on a personal level and are treated as a future colleague. I acquired many bioinformatical skills and learned how to work in an interdisciplinary environment."

Klára Ščupáková

MSc Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (2017)

"For me, Maastricht University was a great international university that provided me with a high-quality, tailored education," says Klára Ščupáková, MSc in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics. "In addition to my master's degree, I worked at the M4I Institute, one of the world's top imaging labs. Klára began her studies at Zeeland's HZ University, where she earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemistry. "At the same time, I participated in the Analytical Science Talent Program, which allowed me to do Saturday school at the universities of Amsterdam and Nijmegen. In comparison to the other universities, Maastricht University places a strong emphasis on practical subject translation and peer-to-peer education."

Klára is employed at Philips Medical System as a clinical marketing specialist, acting as a liaison between the medical staff and the R&D personnel. "I'm currently working on new Image Guided Therapy solutions. The imaging technique facilitates minimally invasive interventions by navigating small devices via human blood vessels. They allow for procedures such as removing a blood clot from your brain or replacing a faulty heart valve."

Klará recalls, "I think I can speak for my colleagues when I say that our master's study will always be remembered as something incredibly unique and fun!"

Jip de Kok

MSc Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, 2021

"I would definitely choose to study in Maastricht again," says Jip de Kok, who obtained both his bachelor's and master's degrees at Maastricht University. "I have always been happy with my education at the UM. I particularly enjoyed the problem-based learning approach, which can make very theoretical subjects more practical and easier to study, as well as the dedication of the teachers, who are willing to help on an individual level."

After graduation, Jip searched for a job. "I found most vacancies too focused on company profit. In the end, I pursued a PhD because it focuses more on societal impact and science itself."

Jip is currently doing his PhD in Machine Learning at the Intensive Care Unit of the Maastricht University Medical Centre+. "I mainly work on cluster analyses and prediction modeling to investigate ICU populations in order to guide clinicians to work more efficiently and deliver better care for their patients. Overall, I think the hands-on projects and the thesis were the most useful for my work now. During such practical activities, you learn how to apply all the acquired knowledge and skills to real-world problems."

Pepe Bonet Giner

MSc Systems Biology and Bioinformatics (2018)

Successful entrepreneur Pepe Bonet Giner studied at four universities. About his experience at Maastricht University, where he completed his master's degree in Systems Biology and Bioinformatics he says: "I was particularly impressed with the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) system, which is one of the most significant differences between Maastricht University and other universities. The PBL system not only changes how you study but also gives you more time for yourself."

Pepe enjoyed the student city ecosystem and the endless possibilities that it offered. "My years at UM were among the best years of my life, and I would encourage anyone considering studying there to do so."

After completing his Ph.D. in Barcelona, Pepe went on to fund his own company, Hynts Analytics. "At Hynts, we help organizations make better use of their data to generate a positive business impact. The company is currently developing products related to the education sector."

Pepe credits his technical knowledge and programming skills, obtained at Maastricht University, as crucial aspects of his success. When asked for advice for aspiring students, he encourages them to study hard, make friends, enjoy their time, and not leave anything in the tank.